This literature reviews explores the pedagogical approach, skills, and motivation factors that influence or are influenced by distance education instructors. Discusses Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs), a collaborative, problem-based asynchronous course design; and the need for instructor training and development to improve skills needed that…

Examined validity of the California Attachment Procedure (CAP), which does not involve mother-child separations. Overall, toddlers were more likely to be classified as secure in the CAP than in the Strange Situation (SS) test. The CAP yielded higher rates of security, particularly for children in day care, and security in the CAP correlated more…

Points out the potential of biology for implementing media reports as primary literature and presents an example of this approach using the topic "corn transformed with bacterial genes that encode insecticidal Bt toxins and public concerns over its potential impact on human health and the environment". (Contains 22 references.) (YDS)

Compared the readiness and success of contextually versus traditionally prepared student teachers. Surveys of student teachers, university supervisors, and cooperating teachers highlighted significant differences between student teacher groups in each area assessed. Contextually prepared teachers became integrated into their classrooms more…

An instructional program focused on story theme was administered to 2nd and 3rd graders in a high-poverty school. Compared with traditional instruction, the program improved theme comprehension and identification of instructed themes in new stories. However, the program did not help students apply a theme to real-life situations or identify and…

Notes that the manner in which the author was using the incorporation of electronic slides into his lectures allowed students to become disengaged from the learning process. Presents strategies to combat disengagement and strategies to supplement textbook slides. Concludes that student disengagement can be counteracted with limited expenditure of…

This article discusses the nature of joint attention, its measurement, and why this behavior domain is important for diagnosis and research with individuals with autism. Criteria in the current nosology related to the assessment of joint attention skills are reviewed and recommendations are made for assessment and intervention. (Contains…

This article discusses the importance of using a family-centered approach in early childhood intervention and practices that integrate child assessment within the context of the family. Strategies for developing an integrated approach within the different components of the assessment process are described. Principles for assessments with family…

A study compared the effect of structured play (SP) and facilitated play (FP) in promoting spontaneity and responsiveness in communication and play behavior in eight preschoolers with autism. Gains in appropriate communication and play were observed across both treatments, however, respondent communicative acts occurred more frequently during SP.…

Discussion of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) focuses on ITS evaluation studies, particularly methodological issues. Topics include summative evaluation for efficiency; quantitative evaluation; formative evaluation; informal evaluation; cognitive mediation perspectives of evaluation; integrating cognitive theories into ITS; effectiveness of…

Discusses electronic learning in the corporate world and other training settings. Reports results of a Web-based survey that addressed training methods; interest in Web-based learning; organizational support for Web-based courses; types of online training; in-house training development versus outsourcing; assessment; pedagogical practices;…

Considers the role of the Great Lessons--formation of the universe, evolution of life, evolution of humans, and discovery of language and mathematics--in the Montessori elementary curriculum. Discusses how the Great Lessons guide and organize the curriculum, as well as the timing of the lessons across the 6-12 age span. (JPB)

This study on the effects of scaffolding electronic case-based learning on preservice teacher education explored the use of an asynchronous computer conferencing tool called COW (Conferencing on the Web) to determine whether open-ended learning environments that encouraged critical thinking could foster a greater degree of course connections and…

Describes two experiments that investigated the retention of knowledge as a latent measure of learning outcome in video teletraining courses, one for air traffic controllers and one for military training. Discusses the merits of knowledge retention as a construct for examining initial evidence of learning, especially for training related to the…

Discusses an online distance education program at Boise State University that used Keller's ARCS model, Kaufman's Organizational Elements Model, and Kirkpatrick's evaluation model to improve motivational appeal for the adult learners and reduce the attrition rate. Describes the interventions implemented and presents results of evaluations that…